Sri Lanka Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Sri Lanka
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated October 9, 2025
Sri Lanka recorded 3.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2019, a rate that is moderate by global standards. That places Sri Lanka #90 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 37% over the past decade (from 5.3 in 2009). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Sri Lanka at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
3.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#106 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2019
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2019)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 37% over the past decade (from 5.3 in 2009). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Sri Lanka Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Sri Lanka, the homicide rate for men is 2.1× higher than the rate for women — 4.5 vs 2.1 per 100,000 (2019).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Sri Lanka:
There were no changes to the advisory level. The Other risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to unrest , terrorism, and landmines. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory Summary: Demonstrations Protests over the economic and political situation in Sri Lanka can happen at any time. Police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters. Avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones. Protests could turn violent with little or no warning. Terrorism Terrorist attacks have occurred in Sri Lanka, with little or no warning.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Sri Lanka
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated October 16, 2025).
Terrorism
Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack American citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights) For more information, see our Terrorism page .
Crime
Most crimes against U.S. citizens continue to be petty crime and crimes of opportunity (e.g., pickpocketing, hotel room thefts, and fraud). There is some organized criminal activity, which can involve drug-related crimes and gang-on-gang violence, but these events do not tend to involve foreign travelers. There are occasional reports of credit card fraud. Authorities have arrested foreign nationals and organized groups for complicity in financial crimes. Avoid situations where your card is removed from your view. There have been reports of employees at reputable businesses (e.g., restaurants or chain grocery stores) wearing data skimming devices in their clothing and scanning a victim’s credit card or using other methods to steal credit card information. ATM skimming is also a threat. If you use an ATM, be on the lookout for skimming devices. Cover keypads with your hand.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Police may deploy water cannons and/or tear gas in response to violent protests. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. In general, demonstrations in Sri Lanka are peaceful, resulting only in traffic congestion. However, some have ended in violence between the protestors and police or opposition groups. Demonstrations can involve confrontations with police, resulting in the use of water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds. Large political rallies are common. These rallies are generally peaceful but can disrupt traffic.
Scams
: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Sri Lanka. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited text messages and WhatsApp messages. Common scams include: Romance/Online dating Contracts with promises of large commissions Work permits/job offers
Tips to avoid scammers
Look for red flags like their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money. Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages. Do a reverse image search on the profile picture. If they ask for help, you should refer them to the closest U.S embassy or consulate so we can assist them. Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to tell your friends and family where you are, meet at a well-known public place, and do not eat or drink anything that seems suspicious. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Sexual assault victims may also contact the tourist police at 011-242-1451 or by email at dir.tourist@police.gov.lk or dptd@srilanka.travel . Report crimes to the local police at 011-242-1451 and contact the U.S. Embassy at ColomboACS@state.gov . Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Sri Lanka Population & Demographics
Population of 21,916,000, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sri Lanka safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Sri Lanka at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 3.3 per 100,000 is moderate by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has an intentional homicide rate of 3.3 per 100,000 people (2019, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #90 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Sri Lanka compare to other countries?
Sri Lanka's homicide rate of 3.3 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Asia average of 2.0.